CN102707535A - Electrophoretic device, display unit, and electronic unit - Google Patents
Electrophoretic device, display unit, and electronic unit Download PDFInfo
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- CN102707535A CN102707535A CN2012100765606A CN201210076560A CN102707535A CN 102707535 A CN102707535 A CN 102707535A CN 2012100765606 A CN2012100765606 A CN 2012100765606A CN 201210076560 A CN201210076560 A CN 201210076560A CN 102707535 A CN102707535 A CN 102707535A
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/165—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on translational movement of particles in a fluid under the influence of an applied field
- G02F1/166—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on translational movement of particles in a fluid under the influence of an applied field characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect
- G02F1/167—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on translational movement of particles in a fluid under the influence of an applied field characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect by electrophoresis
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/165—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on translational movement of particles in a fluid under the influence of an applied field
- G02F1/1675—Constructional details
- G02F1/1679—Gaskets; Spacers; Sealing of cells; Filling or closing of cells
- G02F1/1681—Gaskets; Spacers; Sealing of cells; Filling or closing of cells having two or more microcells partitioned by walls, e.g. of microcup type
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/165—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on translational movement of particles in a fluid under the influence of an applied field
- G02F1/1675—Constructional details
- G02F2001/1678—Constructional details characterised by the composition or particle type
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- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Electrochromic Elements, Electrophoresis, Or Variable Reflection Or Absorption Elements (AREA)
Abstract
An electrophoretic device includes: an electrophoretic particle; a porous layer formed of a fibrous structure containing a non-electrophoretic particle having optical reflection characteristics different from those of the electrophoretic particle; and a dividing wall adjacent to the porous layer. The electrophoretic particle, the porous layer, and the dividing wall are in an insulating liquid. Volume resistivity of the fibrous structure is larger than volume resistivity of the insulating liquid, and volume resistivity of the dividing wall is larger than the volume resistivity of the insulating liquid.
Description
Technical field
Present technique relates to: the electrophoretic apparatus that comprises electrophoresis particle and porous layer; Use the display unit of this electrophoretic apparatus; With the electronic unit that uses this display unit.
Background technology
Recently, along with for example mobile phone and PDA(Personal Digital Assistant) etc. become widely-used, increase gradually for the demand of the display unit (display) of low-power consumption, high image quality.Particularly, in recent years, be associated with the appearance that e-book is sent commercial affairs, the e-book terminal that is used for reading for a long time Word message receives publicity.Therefore, thirst for having the display of the display quality that is suitable for this reading purpose.
About the display that is used to read, people have proposed cholesteric (cholesteric) LCD, electrophoretic display device (EPD), electrochromic display device (ECD) and twisted nematic ball-type display (twist-ball display).Particularly, type of display is that the display of reflection-type is preferred.Because reflective display equally is to utilize outside reflection of light (scattering) to carry out bright demonstration with paper, so the display quality that reflective display provides the display quality with paper to be close.In addition, in reflective display, because backlight is dispensable, so can keep low-power consumption.
The main material standed for of reflective display is to utilize electrophoresis to produce the electrophoretype display of illumination (contrast), because the electrophoretype display has outstanding low in energy consumption and quick response.Therefore, people have carried out various discussion to the display packing of electrophoretype display.
Particularly; A kind of method has been proposed; Wherein, In iknsulating liquid, disseminate two types, respectively have the different optical reflection characteristics and a charged particle of different polarities, and utilize polarity difference and make corresponding charging particle movement (for example, seeing Japan unexamined patent application publication number 50-015115 and Japanese Patent No. 4188091).In the method,, produce contrast so utilize the difference of optical reflection characteristic because the distribution of two types charged particle changes according to electric field.
In addition; A kind of method has also been proposed; Wherein, In iknsulating liquid, disseminate charged particle, configuration has the porous layer of the optical reflection characteristic different with this charged particle and makes this charging particle movement through this porous layer (for example, seeing japanese unexamined patent publication No. 2005-107146, Japan unexamined patent application publication number 50-015120, japanese unexamined patent publication No. 2005-128143 and japanese unexamined patent publication No. 2002-244163).About this porous layer, adopt to have that the laser boring of utilizing is handled and fabric that the polymer film of the pore that forms, synthon etc. are processed, or open cell element formula (open-cell) porous polymer etc.In the method,, produce contrast so utilize the difference of optical reflection characteristic because the distribution of charged particle changes according to electric field.
In addition; Also propose a kind of charged particle to be encapsulated in the method in the micro-capsule; And a kind of method of dividing the scope that charged particle can partly exist by the interface wall structure (for example, see Japanese Patent No. 2551783 and japanese unexamined patent announce (PCT applies for translation) number 2003-526817).About forming the method for this interface wall structure; (for example, seeing japanese unexamined patent announcement (PCT applies for translation) number 2004-536336 and japanese unexamined patent announcement (PCT applies for translation) number 2009-509206) such as ultraviolet ray (UV) method for stamping proposed.Through these methods, gathering, deposition, convection current of charged particle etc. have been suppressed.
Summary of the invention
Though the various display packings of electrophoretype display are suggested, display quality not enough.Colored demonstration, animation display etc. are necessary further to improve performance in view of realizing about contrast and response speed aspect in the future.In the case, it also is important keeping low-power consumption, to have the intrinsic advantage of electrophoretic display device (EPD).
Expectation provides a kind of electrophoretic apparatus, display unit and the electronic unit that can realize high-contrast, quick response and low-power consumption.
According to present technique embodiment, a kind of electrophoretic apparatus is provided, comprising: electrophoresis particle; The porous layer that forms by the filamentary structure body that holds non-electrophoresis particle with optical reflection characteristic different with said electrophoresis particle; With the interface wall that is adjacent to said porous layer.Said electrophoresis particle, porous layer and interface wall are in the iknsulating liquid.The volume resistivity of said filamentary structure body is greater than the volume resistivity of said iknsulating liquid, and the volume resistivity of said interface wall is greater than the volume resistivity of said iknsulating liquid.
According to present technique embodiment; A kind of display unit is provided, comprises: the aforesaid electrophoretic apparatus of the present technique embodiment between a pair of matrix, at least one of said a pair of matrix has optical transfer characteristic; Wherein, said interface wall be adjacent to said porous layer with the display surface opposite surfaces.In addition,, a kind of electronic unit is provided, comprises the aforesaid display unit of present technique embodiment according to present technique embodiment.
" optical reflection characteristic " means the reflectivity of our alleged light (exterior light).The optical reflection characteristic of non-electrophoresis particle is different from the optical reflection characteristic of electrophoresis particle, and reason is to utilize this property difference to produce contrast." volume resistivity " is the electrical characteristics that adopt dielectric (dielectric) measuring system (descend and measure at certain intervals at 10 degrees centigrade) to record through impedance (impedance) method.This dielectric measuring system is for example measured the 1260 type electric impedance analyzers (Solartron SI 1260 impedances/crystalline phase (grain-phase) analyser) of interface by the 1296 type dielectrics that comprise that UK Solartron makes." display surface " means the surface at image demonstration place in the display unit.In this electrophoretic apparatus, interface wall and porous layer do not adjoin mutually belong to side face corresponding to display surface.
According to electrophoretic apparatus, display unit or the electronic unit of disclosure embodiment, this electrophoresis particle, porous layer (the filamentary structure body that holds the non-electrophoresis particle with the optical reflection characteristic that is different from electrophoresis particle) and interface wall are included in the iknsulating liquid.In addition, the volume resistivity of said filamentary structure body is greater than the volume resistivity of said iknsulating liquid, and the volume resistivity of said interface wall is greater than the volume resistivity of said iknsulating liquid.Therefore, can realize high-contrast, high-speed response and low-power consumption.
Should be understood that aforesaid describe, in general terms and following detailed description all are exemplary and aim to provide further specifying the technology stated.
Description of drawings
Accompanying drawing comprises in order to the further understanding to present technique to be provided, and accompanying drawing combines in this manual and constitute the part of this instructions.Accompanying drawing is together with embodiment this instructions illustrate and in order to the principle of present technique to be described.
Fig. 1 illustrates the sectional view of use according to the structure of the display unit of present technique embodiment electrophoretic apparatus.
Fig. 2 is the plan view of structure that the major part of this display unit is shown.
Fig. 3 is the plan view of structure that the another one major part of this display unit is shown.
Fig. 4 is the sectional view that is used to explain the operation of this display unit.
Fig. 5 is the sectional view that is used to explain the manufacturing approach of this display unit.
Fig. 6 is the sectional view that is used for the step step afterwards of key diagram 5.
Fig. 7 is the sectional view of modification that the structure of this display unit is shown.
Fig. 8 is the sectional view of another modification that the structure of this display unit is shown.
Fig. 9 A and Fig. 9 B are the skeleton views that the structure of the e-book of using this display unit is shown.
Figure 10 is the skeleton view that the structure of the television equipment that uses this display unit is shown.
Figure 11 A and Figure 11 B are the skeleton views that the structure of the Digital Still Camera of using this display unit is shown.
Figure 12 is the skeleton view that the external form of the personal computer that uses this display unit is shown.
Figure 13 is the skeleton view that the external form of the video camera that uses this display unit is shown.
Figure 14 A to Figure 14 G is the plan view that the structure of the mobile phone that uses this display unit is shown.
Embodiment
Hereinafter will be described with reference to the drawings the embodiment of present technique.This description will provide by following order:
1. use the display unit of electrophoretic apparatus
2. make the method for display unit
3. modified example
4. the applying examples of display unit (electronic unit)
[1. using the display unit of electrophoretic apparatus]
At first, the structure that uses according to the display unit of present technique embodiment electrophoretic apparatus is described.Fig. 1 illustrates the cross-sectional configuration of this display unit.Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 illustrate the planar configuration of the major part of display unit shown in Figure 1.Fig. 1 illustrates the cross section of obtaining along line I-I shown in Figure 3.
Electrophoretic apparatus according to present technique embodiment can be applied to various uses, and the target of for example display unit, and this purposes is not special the restriction.Hereinafter is described a kind of situation of the electrophoretic apparatus that is applied to display unit.Yet the structure of this display unit only is an example, and can change in due course.
[unitary construction of display unit]
This display unit is the electrophoretype display that is used to utilize electrophoresis display image (for example text message), and is our alleged e-book (electronic paper) display.In this display unit, for example shown in Figure 1,20 pairs of on the spot configurations of driving substrate 10 and opposition substrate (display panel), and electrophoretic apparatus 30 and separator 40 are between the two aforementioned.This display unit has display surface in opposition substrate 20 sides." have display surface " and mean image and be presented at opposition substrate 20 sides (user can look sideways at opposition substrate 20 and see image) in opposition substrate 20 sides.
[driving substrate]
In driving substrate 10, for example, thin film transistor (TFT) (TFT) 12, protective seam 13, planarization insulating layer 14 and pixel electrode 15 order according to this are formed on the surface of support base 11.TFT 12 and pixel electrode 15 are individually formed or dispose according to for example pattern of pixels etc. with the state of matrix or with the state of segmentation.
Fig. 1 illustrates the situation (TFT 12 is provided for a cell element 36) that for example TFT 12 configurations are used for each cell element 36, and cell element 36 is described in the back.Yet, be not necessarily limited to this structure, and the corresponding quantity of TFT 12 and cell element 36 concerns and can freely set with the position.For example, two TFT12 are configurable to be used for three cell elements 36, and perhaps the boundary line (border line) between two TFT that adjoin 12 can be positioned at the zone of cell element 36.
[opposition substrate]
In opposition substrate 20, for example, reverse electrode 22 integrally forms to hide a surface of support base 21.Perhaps differently, reverse electrode 22 can form with matrix state or fragmentation state as pixel electrode 15 can become.
Be presented at image under the situation of opposition substrate 20 sides, the beholder watches display unit (electrophoretic apparatus 30) via reverse electrode 22.Therefore, the optical transfer characteristic of reverse electrode 22 (light transmission) is preferably high as far as possible and for example be equal to or higher than 80%.In addition, the resistance of reverse electrode 22 is preferably low as far as possible and for example be equal to or less than 100 Ω/.
[electrophoretic apparatus]
As depicted in figs. 1 and 2, electrophoretic apparatus 30 is included in the porous layer 33 and electrophoresis particle 32 in the iknsulating liquid 31.Electrophoresis particle 32 is dispersed in the iknsulating liquid 31.Porous layer 33 has a plurality of pores 34.One or more interface wall 35 be adjacent to porous layer 33 with the display surface opposite surfaces.In Fig. 1, pore 34 is not shown.
[iknsulating liquid]
Iknsulating liquid 31 be for example one or more anhydrous solvents such as organic solvent, and paraffin, isoalkane etc. specifically.The viscosity and the refractive index of iknsulating liquid 31 are preferably as far as possible little, because the movability of electrophoresis particle 32 (response speed) is improved thus, and correspondingly the required energy (power consumption) of electrophoresis particle 32 motions is able to reduce.In addition, because the difference between the refractive index of the refractive index of iknsulating liquid 31 and porous layer 33 increases, so the light reflectivity of porous layer 33 also increases.
Iknsulating liquid 31 can hold other various materials as required.The example of various materials comprises colorant, charge control agent, dispersion stabilizer, viscosity modifier, interfacial agent and resin.
[electrophoresis particle]
The example of organic pigment comprises AZOpigments, metal complex AZOpigments, polycondensation AZOpigments, flavanthrene pigment, benzimidazolone pigment, phthalocyanine color, quinacridone pigment, anthraquinone pigment, perylene pigment, pyrene ketone (perinone) pigment, anthra pyridine pigment, pyranthrone (piranthrone) pigment 、 triazine dioxin pigment, thioindigo color, isoindolinone pigment, quinoline promise phthalein ketone (quinophthalone) pigment and indanthrene pigment.The example of inorganic pigment comprises zinc paste, antimony oxide, carbon black, iron oxide black, titanium boride, colcother, agate skin jade-like stone Huang, red lead, cadmium yellow, zinc sulphide, lithopone, barium sulphide, cadmium selenide, lime carbonate, barium sulphate, plumbous chromate, lead sulfate, barium carbonate, white lead and alumina white.The example of dyestuff comprises aniline black byestuffs, azo dyes, phthalocyanine dye, quinoline promise phthalein ketone dyes, anthraquinone dye and methine dyes.The example of material with carbon element comprises carbon black.The example of metal material comprises gold, silver and copper.The example of metal oxide comprises titanium dioxide, zinc paste, zirconia, barium titanate, potassium titanate, copper chromated oxide, copper Mn oxide, copper iron and manganese oxides, copper chromium Mn oxide and copper iron chrome oxide.The example of polymeric material comprises polymer compound, has introduced the functional group with the photo-absorption region in the visible region.As long as polymer compound has the photo-absorption region in the visible region, then its type is not special the qualification.Previous materials can be used individually, and perhaps its both or more persons can be used as potpourri and use.
The content (concentration) of the electrophoresis particle 32 in the iknsulating liquid 31 has no particular limits, and is for example from 0.1wt% to 10wt% (comprising boundary value), because guarantee the movability and shielding (hidden) characteristic of electrophoresis particle 32 thus.In the case, the content of electrophoresis particle 32 (concentration) is when being less than 0.1wt% in iknsulating liquid 31, and electrophoresis particle 32 possibly be difficult to cover porous layer 33.Simultaneously, when the content (concentration) of electrophoresis particle 32 in the iknsulating liquid 31 during greater than 10wt%, because electrophoresis particle 32 dispersed reductions, and therefore electrophoresis particle 10 is difficult to electrophoresis, possibly cause assembling in some cases.
For example, select the concrete formation material of electrophoresis particle 32 according to electrophoresis particle 32 in order to produce the contrast role.Particularly, carrying out by electrophoresis particle 32 in the situation of bright demonstration, this material can be for example metal oxide such as titanium dioxide, zinc paste, zirconia, barium titanate or potassium titanate.Particularly, titanium dioxide is preferred, because titanium dioxide has superior electrochemical stability and superior dispersiveness, and high reflectance is provided.Simultaneously, showing slinkingly in the situation of showing (dark display) carrying out by electrophoresis particle 32, this material is for example material with carbon element, metal oxide etc.The example of this material with carbon element comprises carbon black.The example of this metal oxide comprises copper chromated oxide, copper Mn oxide, copper iron and manganese oxides, copper chromium Mn oxide and copper iron chrome oxide.Particularly, this material with carbon element is preferred, because can obtain superior chemical stability, superior movability and superior light absorption thus.Previous materials can be used individually, and perhaps its both or more persons can be used as potpourri and use.
Carrying out in the situation of bright demonstration by electrophoresis particle 32, the color of the electrophoresis particle of watching from the outside 32 is not special the restriction, as long as can produce contrast thus.Yet particularly, the color of the electrophoresis particle of watching from the outside 32 is preferably the color near white, and more preferably white.Simultaneously, showing slinkingly in the situation about showing by electrophoresis particle 32 execution, the color of the electrophoresis particle of watching from the outside 32 is not special the restriction, as long as can produce contrast thus.Yet particularly, the color of the electrophoresis particle of watching from the outside 32 is preferably the color near black, and black more preferably.Under both of these case, can obtain high-contrast.
Preferably, electrophoresis particle 32 is for being easy to for a long time to disperse in iknsulating liquid 1 and being easy to charged and being not easy to be absorbed in the porous layer 33.Therefore, can use spreading agent (or charge control agent) to disperse electrophoresis particle 32, also can carry out surface treatment, perhaps can adopt aforementioned two kinds of methods simultaneously electrophoresis particle 32 to utilize Coulomb repulsion.
The example of spreading agent comprises: by the Solsperse series spreading agent of Lubrizol Co. production or BYK series or the Anti-Terra series spreading agent of producing by BYK-Chemie Co., and by the serial spreading agent of the Span of ICI Americas Co. production.
The surface-treated example comprises: rosin processing, surfactant treatment, pigment derivative processing, coupling agent treatment, graft polymerization processing and microencapsulation are handled.Particularly, said graft polymerization processing, microencapsulation are handled or their combination is preferred, because can obtain long-term dispersion stabilization etc. thus.
The example that is used for the surface-treated material comprises: have polymerizable functional group and the material (sorptive material) that can be adsorbed in the functional group (adsorbability functional group) on the surface of electrophoresis particle 32.The type of adsorbable functional group is confirmed according to the formation material of electrophoresis particle 32.Its example comprises: be used for material with carbon element such as the anil of carbon black 4-vinyl aniline and the organic silane derivative that is used for metal oxide methacrylic acid 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl ester for example for example.The example of polymerizable functional group comprises vinyl, acryloyl group and methacryl.
In addition, the example that is used for the surface-treated material comprises: the material (graft materials) that on the surface of the electrophoresis particle of having introduced polymerizable functional group 32, can carry out grafting.This graft materials is preferably to be had polymerizable functional group and can make electrophoresis particle 32 be dispersed in the iknsulating liquid 31 and can keep dispersed dispersing functional group by steric hindrance.The type of polymerizable functional group is with described similar for sorptive material.At iknsulating liquid 31 is under the situation of paraffin, and the example of dispersing functional group comprises branched alkyl (branch-like alkyl group).In order to make graft materials polymerization or grafting, for example can adopt polymerization initiator such as azo-bis-isobutyl cyanide (AIBN).
For reference; Be used for the details of disperseing the method for electrophoresis particles 32 at iknsulating liquid 31 as above-mentioned; For example by Science & Technology Co. publish " on the books in the dispersion technology of ultrafine particle and evaluation thereof---surface treatment, grinding and the dispersion stabilization in gas/liquid/polymkeric substance (Dispersion Technology of Superfine Particle and Evaluation thereof:Surface Treatment; Pulverizing, the and Dispersion Stabilization in Air/Liquid/Polymer) book.
[porous layer]
As shown in Figure 2, porous layer 33 is the three-D space structures (for example irregular reticulate texture body is such as nonwoven fabrics) that formed by filamentary structure body 331, and can be by separator 40 supportings.Porous layer 33 has one or more gaps (pore 34), in the said gap of the position electrophoresis particle that does not have filamentary structure body 331 32 motion processes.Pore 34 is filled with iknsulating liquid 31.Therefore, electrophoresis particle 32 can move through being full of the iknsulating liquid 31 of pore 34.Porous layer 33 can be adjacent to reverse electrode 22, perhaps can separate with it.
From following reason, porous layer 33 is the three-D space structures that formed by filamentary structure body 331.Since this irregular space structure, the easy diffuse reflection of exterior light (repeatedly scattering).Therefore, the light reflectivity of porous layer 33 enlarges markedly, and this high light reflectivity makes that porous layer 33 can thinning.Therefore, contrast increases, and the required energy of electrophoresis particle 32 motions reduces.In addition, because the average pore diameter of pore 34 increases, and the quantity in hole increases the process pores 34 so electrophoresis particle 32 moves easily.Thus, electrophoresis particle 32 motion required times reduce, and electrophoresis particle 32 motion institute energy requirements further reduce.
From following reason, filamentary structure body 331 holds non-electrophoresis particle 332.That is, because exterior light diffuse reflection more easily, so the light reflectivity of porous layer 33 further increases.Thus, contrast further increases.
The shape of filamentary structure body 331 (profile) is not special restriction, as long as filamentary structure body 331 is the fibers that have with respect to the sufficiently long length of this fibre diameter as above-mentioned.Particularly, the shape of filamentary structure body 331 (outward appearance) can be linear, curl or crooked.In addition, filamentary structure body 331 needs not to be along direction and extends, but but along one or more direction bifurcateds.The formation method of filamentary structure body 331 is not special restriction.The method that forms filamentary structure body 331 is preferred; For example; One or more of phase disengagement method, antiphase method, static (electric field) spin method, fusion spin method, wet type spin method, dry type spin method, gel spin method, sol-gel method, spraying method etc. are because the fibrous material that has with respect to the sufficiently long length of this fibre diameter forms through preceding method easily and stably.
Though the fiber diameter of filamentary structure body 331 is not special restriction, from following reason, the fiber diameter of filamentary structure body 331 is preferably as far as possible little.That is, the light easy diffuse reflection that becomes, and the average pore diameter of pore 34 becomes bigger.Yet, possibly need to confirm this fiber diameter, make filamentary structure body 331 can support non-electrophoresis particle 332.Therefore, the fiber diameter of filamentary structure body 331 preferably is equal to or less than 10 μ m.The lower limit of this fiber diameter is not special restriction, and can for example be equal to or less than 0.1 μ m.This fiber diameter is to record through the microscopic observation of for example using scanning electron microscope (SEM).The average length of filamentary structure body 331 can be suitably to set.
The average pore diameter of pore 34 is not special restriction.Particularly, the average pore diameter of pore 34 is preferably big as far as possible, because electrophoresis particle 32 is easy to motion through pore 34 thus.Therefore, the average pore diameter of pore 34 is preferably from 0.1 μ m to 10 μ m (comprising boundary value).
The thickness of porous layer 33 is not special restriction, and for for example from 5 μ m to 100 μ m (comprising boundary value) because the shielding character of porous layer 33 increases thus, and electrophoresis particle 32 is easy to motion process pore 34.The thickness of this determined porous layer 33 mean after the thickness of porous layer 33 among the non-contiguous zone R2 that states.
Especially, filamentary structure body 331 is preferably nanofiber.As under the situation of filamentary structure body 331, it is complicated that this space structure becomes, and the easy diffuse reflection of exterior light at nanofiber, and therefore the light reflectivity of porous layer 33 further increases.In addition, as under the situation of filamentary structure body 331, the volume ratio of the pore 34 of the per unit volume of porous layer 33 increases at nanofiber, and therefore electrophoresis particle 32 is easy to motion through pore 34.Thus, contrast further increases, and electrophoresis particle 32 motion institute energy requirements further reduce.Said nanofiber is to have from the fibre diameter of 0.001 μ m to 0.1 μ m (comprising boundary value) and have the fibrous material with respect to 100 times of fibre diameter or longer length.Filamentary structure body 331 preferably utilizes polymeric material to be formed by static spin method as nanofiber, because be easy to and stably form the filamentary structure body 331 with fubril diameter thus.
The concrete formation material of non-electrophoresis particle 332 is for example selected according to non-electrophoresis particle 332 roles that are used to produce contrast.Particularly, carrying out in the situation of bright demonstration by non-electrophoresis particle 332, this material is similar in appearance to the material of selected electrophoresis particle 32 in the situation of carrying out bright demonstration by electrophoresis particle 32.Simultaneously, showing slinkingly in the situation about showing by non-electrophoresis particle 332 execution, this material is similar in appearance to carrying out the material that shows slinkingly selected electrophoresis particle 32 in the situation about showing by electrophoresis particle 32.Particularly; Like selected material in the situation of carrying out bright demonstration by non-electrophoresis particle 332; Metal oxide is preferred, and titanium dioxide is preferred, because can obtain superior chemical stability, superior fixed characteristic and high light reflectivity thus.The formation material of non-electrophoresis particle 332 can be identical types with the formation material of electrophoresis particle 32, can be different types with the formation material of electrophoresis particle 32 perhaps, as long as can produce contrast.
Carrying out bright demonstration or show slinkingly the color of being watched in the situation about showing, similar with the described situation of the color of watching for electrophoresis particle 32 by non-electrophoresis particle 332.
As above-mentioned, interface wall 35 be adjacent to porous layer 33 with the display surface opposite surfaces.Thus, as shown in Figure 1, the existence zone of porous layer 33 is classified into: the zone (contiguous zone R1) that interface wall 35 and porous layer 33 adjoin mutually; The zone of not adjoining with interface wall 35 and porous layer 33 (non-contiguous zone R2).
From following reason, the area of the pore 34 of the per unit area of porous layer 33 preferably compares medium and small at non-contiguous zone R2 in contiguous zone R1 than (hereinafter referred to as " the area occupation ratio of pore 34 ").That is, for example at first porous layer 33 is formed and make the area occupation ratio of pore 34 become almost consistent, and a part of pushing porous layer 33 subsequently.The thickness T of porous layer 33 can be than medium and small at non-contiguous zone R2 in contiguous zone R1.
The area occupation ratio of pore 34 is based on the area of porous layer 33 with the area of the pore 34 that wherein exists and being expressed as: area occupation ratio (%)=(area of the area/porous layer 33 of pore 34) * 100.In order to check the area occupation ratio, for example, after segmentation being set, observe the cross section of porous layer 33 through metallurgical microscopes, confocal microscope, scanning electron microscope etc. by for example microtome (cryotome) etc. and with porous layer 33.Differentiation filamentary structure 331 (comprising non-electrophoresis particle 332) of body and pore 34 (confirming the separatrix between filamentary structure body 331 and pore 34) can be embodied as visual, thereby perhaps can be used to utilize the image processing software of recognisable image such as contrast difference to realize through use.Similarly, can be through utilizing reference areas such as software for calculation.
In the case, though said area occupation ratio be used for confirming contiguous zone R1 and in non-contiguous zone R2 the difference between the occupation ratio of pore 34, also can adopt the volume occupation ratio.Under the situation of using the volume occupation ratio, the difference of the occupation ratio of pore 34 can be confirmed as such in the situation of usable floor area occupation ratio.
From following reason, interface wall 35 be adjacent to porous layer 33 with the display surface opposite surfaces.That is, in the case, suppressed the reduction of the contrast that the existence because of interface wall 35 causes.More specifically, in interface wall 35 by translucent material resin and under the situation about forming, in each cell element 36, for example because of the light (visible light) that leaks via interface wall 35 from the cell element 36 that adjoins causes contrast to reduce easily.About this shortcoming, exist in the place ahead of interface wall 35 (in the display surface side) under the situation of the porous layer 33 (the area occupation ratio of pore 34 is little) that is difficult to printing opacity, suppressed to reduce because of the contrast that the light that leaks from the cell element 36 that adjoins causes.Therefore, contrast unlikely causes reducing because of the existence of interface wall 35.Another factor that contrast reduces possibly be except that the light that the cell element that adjoins 36 leaks, to also have the light that produces from driving substrate 10.
From following reason, the area occupation ratio of pore 34 ratio in contiguous zone R1 is medium and small at non-contiguous zone R2.That is, in the case, compared with in the area occupation ratio of pore 34 in contiguous zone R1 than in non-contiguous zone R2 under the big situation, interface wall 35 is easy in contiguous zone R1 by porous layer 33 shieldings more.In addition, in contiguous zone R1, the size of pore 34 and quantity reduce with the area occupation ratio of pore 34.Therefore, electrophoresis particle 32 is difficult to move to the cell element 36 that adjoins through pore 34.
From following reason, the thickness T of porous layer 33 ratio in contiguous zone R1 is medium and small at non-contiguous zone R2.That is, as above-mentioned, porous layer 33 is extruded in contiguous zone R1, make interface wall 35 be easy to by porous layer 33 shieldings, and electrophoresis particle 32 is difficult to move among the contiguous zone R1.In addition; The thickness T of porous layer 33 in contiguous zone R1 than in non-contiguous zone R2 not being under the less situation (under the situation that porous layer 33 is not extruded in contiguous zone R1); The thickness of whole electrophoretic apparatus 30 reduces, and therefore the thickness of electrophoretic apparatus 30 reduces.
The example of the forming process of porous layer 33 is following.At first, the formation material of filamentary structure body 331 (for example polymeric material etc.) is dispersed or dissolved in the organic solvent etc. to prepare spin solution.Subsequently, after adding non-electrophoresis particle 332 to this spin solution, fully stir gains so that non-electrophoresis particle 332 is dispersed in this spin solution.Subsequently, utilize spin solution to carry out spin through static spin method.Thus, because non-electrophoresis particle 332 is by 331 supportings of filamentary structure body, so form the porous layer 33 with almost consistent pore 34 area occupation ratios.At last, the part of porous layer 33 is extruded, to reduce the area occupation ratio of the pore 34 in being extruded portion.As the member that is used to push porous layer 33, can adopt the most at last the interface wall 35 of adjoining mutually with porous layer 33, perhaps can adopt the member except that interface wall 35.This member can be any object, as long as this member can push porous layer 33.Thus, in porous layer 33, the zone that the zone that the area occupation ratio of formation pore 34 is reduced and the area occupation ratio of pore 34 are not reduced.Through interface wall 35 is adjoined with porous layer 33 mutually, thereby last zone becomes contiguous zone R1, and one zone, back becomes non-contiguous zone R2.
[interface wall]
As shown in figures 1 and 3, the one or more spaces (cell element 36) that are used to hold electrophoresis particle 32 form by interface wall 35.The quantity of cell element 36 is not special the restriction with the configuration pattern.Yet in order to dispose a plurality of cell elements 36 efficiently, cell element 36 preferred disposition become matrix state (configuration of multirow * multiple row).In addition, the shape of cell element 36 (pore shape) is not special the restriction, can be rectangle as shown in Figure 3, and can be another shape (hexagon etc.).
For example, interface wall 35 can be arranged on the surface of support base 37, and can be by support base 37 supportings.In the case, but interface wall 35 and support base 37 blocking (unitized) (interface wall unit 38).Yet interface wall 35 can be an integral type with support base 37, perhaps can be independent the setting.In the later case, support base 37 can be processed by film etc.In the case, interface wall unit 38 forms and hides pixel electrode 15 and planarization insulating layer 14 in perimeter.
The formation material of interface wall 35 is not special restriction, as long as this material does not influence the operating performance of electrophoretic apparatus 30 etc., and preferably is suitable for the resin of mold treatment, because be easy to form the interface wall 35 with desired size and intended shape thus.This resin is for example thermoplastic resin, light-cured type resin etc. (comprising the resist that is used for photoetching), perhaps can be other resin.Same material is applied to the formation material of support base 37.
Under the situation of resin as the formation material of interface wall 35, interface wall 35 forms through the thermal marking method that for example uses thermoplastic resin, the optical imprint method of using the light-cured type resin etc.Particularly, in thermal marking method, for example mould (negative mold) is pressed against the resin (polymeric material) that is heated under the temperature that is equal to or higher than glass transformation temperature, and subsequently, after cooling, this mould is peeled off in this resin.Thus, this mold shape is transferred to this resin surface, and forms the interface wall unit 38 with intended shape thus.This mould can be the photoresist film that forms by photoetching method, perhaps can be to utilize sheet metal that the turner instrument forms through processed etc.
The width W of interface wall 35 can be along the bearing of trend unanimity or incomparable inconsistent.Particularly, from following reason, this width W preferably reduces to porous layer 33 gradually.That is, in the case, the interstitial surface area of cell element 36 increases to the display surface side, and movable zone (contiguous zone R1) constriction of electrophoresis particle 32 correspondingly, so picture display face is long-pending widens.The angle of inclination of the side of interface wall 35 (the cone angle that we are alleged) is not special restriction, and for for example from 60 degree to 90 degree (comprising boundary value), and preferably spend (comprising boundary value) to 85 from 75 degree.
The pitch of interface wall 35, height etc. are not special restrictions, and can freely set.As an example, the pitch of interface wall 35 is from 30 μ m to 300 μ m (comprising boundary value), and preferably from 60 μ m to 150 μ m (comprising boundary value).The height of interface wall 35 is from 10 μ m to 100 μ m (comprising boundary value), and preferably from 30 μ m to 50 μ m (comprising boundary value).
Particularly, from following reason, the thickness T of the height of interface wall 35 and porous layer 33 is preferred roughly consistent in contiguous zone R1.In this situation, the distance between pixel electrode 15 and the reverse electrode 22 (gap that we are alleged) becomes constant, and correspondingly electric field intensity becomes unification.Thus, the unevenness of response speed etc. is improved.
[volume resistivity]
In electrophoretic apparatus 30, it is suitable that the magnitude relationship of the volume resistivity between each composed component is made into.Particularly, the volume resistivity of the filamentary structure body 331 of formation porous layer 33 is greater than the volume resistivity of iknsulating liquid 31.In addition, the volume resistivity of interface wall 35 is greater than the volume resistivity of iknsulating liquid 31.As long as satisfy aforementioned magnitude relationship, then the absolute value of the volume resistivity of each can freely be set in filamentary structure body 331, iknsulating liquid 31 and the interface wall 35.
From following reason, the volume resistivity of filamentary structure body 331 is greater than the volume resistivity of iknsulating liquid 31.That is, between pixel electrode 15 and reverse electrode 22, apply under the voltage condition, than voltage being applied to filamentary structure body 331, this voltage is easier to be applied to iknsulating liquid 31, and therefore, the voltage drop that in filamentary structure body 331, produces is bigger.Thus, the voltage application efficiency that is dispersed in the electrophoresis particle 32 in the iknsulating liquid 31 is improved, and electrophoresis particle 32 is easy to motion through iknsulating liquid 31.
In addition, from following reason, the volume resistivity of interface wall 35 is greater than the volume resistivity of iknsulating liquid 31.In the case, when applied voltage, flow to interface wall 35 than electric current, electric current flows to iknsulating liquid 31 more easily.That is, region R 1 is parallel along the voltage application direction with R2, and the application corresponding voltage in these two zones is equal to each other.Therefore, electric current flows in having more low-impedance zone more easily.Thus, the voltage application efficiency of electrophoresis particle 32 is improved, and therefore electrophoresis particle 32 is easy to motion in iknsulating liquid 31.
From following reason, more than focused on that the relation between the volume resistivity of volume resistivity and iknsulating liquid 31 of filamentary structure body 331 is described.That is, because pore 34 is filled with iknsulating liquid 31, as above-mentioned, so the magnitude relationship between this both volume resistivity influences the behavior of electrophoresis particle 32.In addition, from following reason, focus on that also the relation between the volume resistivity of volume resistivity and iknsulating liquid 31 of interface wall 35 is described.That is, because interface wall 35 is adjacent to iknsulating liquid 31, as above-mentioned, so the magnitude relationship between this both volume resistivity influences the behavior of electrophoresis particle 32.In addition, from following reason, focus on the volume resistivity of filamentary structure body 331, and do not focus on and be described the volume resistivity of the non-electrophoresis particle 332 outside the porous layer 33.That is, the volume of filamentary structure body 331 occupies the major part of the whole volume of porous layer 33.Thus, for the influence to the behavior of electrophoresis particle 32 of the impedance operator of improving porous layer 33, the volume resistivity of filamentary structure body 331 should be by working control.
Aforesaid volume resistivity is the electrical characteristics that adopt dielectric measuring system (descend and measure at certain intervals at 10 degrees centigrade) to record through the impedance method.This dielectric measuring system is that the 1296 type dielectrics of for example being made by UK Solartron that comprise are measured the 1260 type electric impedance analyzers (Solartron SI 1260 impedances/crystalline phase analyser) of interface.
Comprise the opposition layer that is configured to be opposed to porous layer 33 and under the iknsulating liquid 31 marginal situation, the volume resistivity of iknsulating liquid 31 is preferably greater than the volume resistivity of this opposition layer at electrophoretic apparatus 30.Because this opposition layer is positioned between pixel electrode 15 (or counter electrode 22) and the iknsulating liquid 31, so the volume resistivity influence of the layer that should oppose is to the voltage application efficiency of iknsulating liquid 31.That is, under the situation of volume resistivity greater than the volume resistivity of opposition layer of iknsulating liquid 31,, the voltage application efficiency of iknsulating liquid 31 is more improved compared with under the situation of volume resistivity less than the volume resistivity of opposition layer of iknsulating liquid 31.Vertically under (voltage application direction) range upon range of situation, produce bigger voltage drop in position, and therefore, voltage to be applied becomes higher at the component parts of said display unit with high volume resistivity.Thus, because the voltage application efficiency of electrophoresis particle 32 is more improved, so electrophoresis particle 32 is easier to motion in iknsulating liquid 31.
The member of said opposition layer is not special restriction, as long as between pixel electrode 15 (or counter electrode 22) and iknsulating liquid 31, have member.Said opposition layer can be a for example film of member, perhaps can be the film that forms formation such as direction by various films.In addition, said opposition layer can be individual layer or can have sandwich construction.The formation material of said opposition layer can freely be set according to function, effect etc.Said opposition layer can be used as adhesive linkage, sealant etc.
In the case, for example, as obvious by Fig. 1, said opposition layer is the part of interface wall unit 38, and support base 37 is in order to supporting interface wall 35.Therefore, the volume resistivity of iknsulating liquid 31 is preferably greater than the volume resistivity of support base 37.Support base 37 is configured to surround iknsulating liquid 31 with porous layer 33 and interface wall 35.Yet in the case, from following reason, the support base 37 that constitutes interface wall unit 38 preferably is individually formed with interface wall 35.That is, in the case, the volume resistivity of interface wall 35 is greater than this relation of volume resistivity of iknsulating liquid 31, and the volume resistivity of iknsulating liquid 31 can be set up greater than this relation of volume resistivity of support base 37 concurrently.
[the preferred display packing of electrophoretic apparatus]
In electrophoretic apparatus 30,, utilize the difference between the light reflectivity of light reflectivity and porous layer 33 (the filamentary structure body 331 that holds non-electrophoresis particle 332) of electrophoresis particle 32 to produce contrast as above-mentioned.In the case, can carry out to show slinkingly by the electrophoresis particle 32 bright demonstrations of execution and by porous layer 33 and show, otherwise or.The difference that this work is used is by the magnitude relationship between the light reflectivity of the light reflectivity of electrophoresis particle 32 and porous layer 33 and confirm.That is, the light reflectivity that shows slinkingly the parts that show with execution is compared, and carries out the light reflectivity of the parts of bright demonstration and sets higher value for.
Particularly, preferably, carry out to show slinkingly by electrophoresis particle 32 and show and carry out bright demonstration by porous layer 33.Therefore, in fact by the light reflectivity of non-electrophoresis particle 332 under the definite situation, the light reflectivity of non-electrophoresis particle 332 preferably is higher than the light reflectivity of electrophoresis particle 32 at the light reflectivity of porous layer 33.The light reflectivity that is used for bright demonstration utilizes the diffuse reflection of exterior light and becomes and enlarge markedly by porous layer 33 in the case, and therefore contrast correspondingly becomes and enlarges markedly.
[separator]
The shape of separator 40 is not special restriction.Particularly, the shape of separator 40 does not preferably hinder electrophoresis particle 32 motions and can make the electrophoresis particle 32 consistent a kind of shapes that distribute.For example, the shape of separator 40 can be a trellis.In addition, the thickness of separator 40 is not special restriction.Particularly, the thickness of separator 40 is preferably as far as possible little, reducing power consumption, and can be for example from 10 μ m to 100 μ m (comprising boundary value).Fig. 1 illustrates the structure of the simplification of separator 40.
[operation of display unit]
Said display unit operation as follows.Fig. 4 is used to explain the operation of said display unit, and the cross-sectional configuration corresponding to Fig. 1 is shown.
For example, because the light reflectivity of electrophoresis particle 32 is less than the light reflectivity of porous layer 33 (filamentary structure body 331 with non-electrophoresis particle 332), so will show and describe to carrying out by electrophoresis particle 32 to show slinkingly by the situation that porous layer 33 is carried out bright demonstration.
In original state, as shown in Figure 1, in all cell elements 36, electrophoresis particle 32 is arranged in the side that iknsulating liquid 31 approaches pixel electrode 15.In the case, if watch display unit from the display surface side, then electrophoresis particle 32 is shielded (bright demonstration is able to carry out) by porous layer 33 in all pixels, and does not therefore produce contrast (not display image).
Selected by TFT 12 and between pixel electrode 15 and reverse electrode 22, apply under the situation of electric field in pixel, as shown in Figure 4, in the cell element of having used electric field 36, electrophoresis particle 32 moves to reverse electrode 22 via the pore 34 of porous layer 33.In the case; If watch this display unit from the display surface side; Then; Wherein electrophoresis particle 32, and so is utilized Show Color difference and produces contrast not by the pixel of porous layer 33 shieldings (show slinkingly show be able to carry out) coexistence by the pixel of porous layer 33 shielding (bright demonstration is able to carry out) and electrophoresis particle 32 wherein.As above because this Show Color (bright demonstration and show slinkingly show) changed and be used for each cell element 36, so thereby through utilizing the contrast display image of whole display surface.
[the 2. manufacturing approach of display unit]
Next, the manufacturing approach of display unit is described.Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are used to explain the manufacturing approach of display unit, and the cross-sectional configuration corresponding to Fig. 1 is shown.
At first, as shown in Figure 5, TFT 12, protective seam 13, planarization insulating layer 14 and pixel electrode 15 order according to this are formed on the surface of support base 11 to form driving substrate 10.In addition, reverse electrode 22 is formed on the surface of support base 21 to form opposition substrate 20.As the method that forms corresponding element, for example, can select and adopt existing formation method as required.
Subsequently, interface wall unit 38 is formed on outside the opposition substrate 10 on pixel electrode 15 and planarization insulating layer 14 in perimeter.In the case, interface wall 35 and support base 37 for example can use thermal marking method etc. to form through molded resin, perhaps can form independently.Protective seams etc. can be formed between planarization insulating layer 14 and the pixel electrode 15, and form interface wall unit 38 as required.
In addition, porous layer 33 forms the reverse electrode 22 that hides outside opposition substrate 20.In the formation of porous layer 33, for example, the formation dispersion of materials of filamentary structure body 331 in organic solvent etc. to prepare spin solution.Subsequently, after non-electrophoresis particle 332 is dispersed in the spin solution, carry out spin through static spin method.Said spin can be carried out in air, perhaps can in reduced pressure atmosphere, carry out.Thus, because non-electrophoresis particle 332 is by 331 supportings of filamentary structure body, so porous layer 33 is able to form.In formed porous layer 33, the area occupation ratio of pore 34 almost is consistent in whole porous layer 33.
Subsequently, as shown in Figure 6, driving substrate 10 and 20 pairs of substrates of opposition on the spot configuration and separator 40 between between, make the formation between driving substrate 10 and opposition substrate 20 of the space that is used to fill iknsulating liquid 31 (see figure 1)s.In the case, porous layer 33 parts receive the extruding of the end of interface wall 35, and the area occupation ratio of pore 34 is extruded in the part (contiguous zone R1) than in other part (non-contiguous zone R2), reducing manyly at this.Thus, the thickness T of porous layer 33 becomes in contiguous zone R1 than medium and small at non-contiguous zone R2.
At last, fill with the iknsulating liquid 31 that is dispersed with electrophoresis particle 32 in the space that is surrounded by driving substrate 10, opposition substrate 20 and separator 40.In the case, electrophoresis particle 32 configurations are used for each cell element 36 by interface wall 35 divisions.Thus, accomplish display unit.
In Fig. 6, porous layer 33 has been described by the situation of interface wall 35 extruding.Yet, also maybe, porous layer 33 is partly pushed by the member except that interface wall 35, and interface wall 35 is adjacent to the part that is extruded of porous layer 33 subsequently.In the case, the area occupation ratio of pore 34 reduces in the porous layer 33 of contiguous zone R1 partly.Yet for fixedly interface wall 35 is to the manufacturing step of the attached of porous layer 33 and simplification electrophoretic apparatus 30, porous layer 33 is preferably by interface wall 35 extruding.
[effectiveness of display unit and function]
According to the display unit that uses said electrophoretic apparatus; Porous layer 33 is by the filamentary structure body 331 that holds the non-electrophoresis particle 332 with optical reflection characteristic different with electrophoresis particle 32 and form, and interface wall 35 be adjacent to porous layer 33 with the display surface opposite surfaces.In addition, the volume resistivity of filamentary structure body 331 is greater than the volume resistivity of iknsulating liquid 31, and the volume resistivity of interface wall 35 is greater than the volume resistivity of iknsulating liquid 31.Therefore, obtain following function.
At first, the magnitude relationship of the volume resistivity among filamentary structure body 331, iknsulating liquid 31 and interface wall 35 be made into suitable.Therefore, as above-mentioned, the voltage application efficiency that is dispersed in the electrophoresis particle 32 in the iknsulating liquid 31 is improved.Thus, electrophoresis particle 32 is easy to motion through iknsulating liquid 31, and the therefore required time shortening of electrophoresis particle 32 motions, and the required energy of electrophoresis particle 32 motions reduces.In addition,, electrophoresis particle 32 is difficult to be adsorbed in the filamentary structure body 331, so the light reflectivity of porous layer 33 unlikely is lowered because becoming.
Secondly, porous layer 33 is by forming because of holding the filamentary structure body 331 that non-electrophoresis particle 332 has the complex space structure.Therefore, though comprised pore 34 sufficient amount, that have sufficient size, even porous layer 33 is thin, exterior light is diffuse reflection easily also.Thus, the light reflectivity of porous layer 33 increases, and electrophoresis particle 32 is easy to motion through pore 34.Therefore, the 32 required times of motion of electrophoresis particle further reduce, and the required energy of electrophoresis particle 32 motions further reduces.
Once more, interface wall 35 be adjacent to porous layer 33 with the display surface opposite surfaces.Therefore, if watch from the display surface side, interface wall 35 is by porous layer 33 shieldings.Thus, suppressed the reduction of the contrast that the existence because of interface wall 35 causes.
Therefore, can realize high-contrast, high-speed response and low-power consumption.As a result, can show high quality graphic with low-power consumption.
Especially; Said opposition layer for example support base 37 be configured to be opposed to porous layer 33 and iknsulating liquid 31 between between and under the volume resistivity of iknsulating liquid 31 the situation greater than the volume resistivity of this opposition layer; Voltage application efficiency to electrophoresis particle 32 is improved; And therefore, can obtain similar effect.
In addition, the area occupation ratio of pore 34 is in contiguous zone R1 than under the medium and small situation of non-contiguous zone R2 in porous layer 33, and electrophoresis particle 32 is difficult to move to via the porous layer among the contiguous zone R1 33 cell element 36 that adjoins.Therefore, can suppress the picture quality reduction for example shows inhomogeneous.In the case, in contiguous zone R1 than under the medium and small situation of non-contiguous zone R2, the thickness of whole electrophoretic apparatus 30 reduces, and therefore, even be provided with interface wall 35, the thickness of display unit also can reduce in the thickness T of porous layer 33.In addition, under the situation that porous layer 33 reduces gradually, the interstitial surface area of cell element 36 increases in the width W of interface wall 35, and therefore picture display face is long-pending can widen.
In addition; Form by static spin method or filamentary structure body 331 is to have under the situation of nanofiber of the fiber diameter that is equal to or less than 10 μ m at filamentary structure body 331, be easy to form a kind of space structure of the diffusing characteristic diffuser that can further increase exterior light by filamentary structure body 331.In addition, the size of pore 34 further increases, and its quantity further increases.Therefore, can obtain more high-quality effect.Especially; Because the light reflectivity of non-electrophoresis particle 332 is higher than the light reflectivity of electrophoresis particle 32; Show and carry out bright demonstration that then the light reflectivity of porous layer 33 becomes through the diffuse reflection that utilizes exterior light and enlarges markedly if carry out to show slinkingly by porous layer 33 by electrophoresis particle 32.Therefore, acquisition even more high-quality effect.
In addition, reduce with the part at the member that interface wall 35 act as part extruding porous layer 33 under the situation of area occupation ratio of pore 34, fixing interface wall 35 attached to porous layer 33, and can simplify the manufacturing step of electrophoretic apparatus 30.
[3. modified example]
Though described in Fig. 1 that opposition layer is configured to be opposed to porous layer 33 iknsulating liquid 31 between between situation under, this opposition layer is a support base 37, said opposition layer is not limited to support base 37.
For example, as shown in Figure 7, various layers for example protective seam 39 can form said opposition layer, rather than with support base 37.Protective seam 39 is for example to be used to protect pixel electrode 15, and is to utilize for example polyimide and forming independently with interface wall 35 of insulating material.Yet protective seam 39 can be formed by bonding agent, sticker, UV gel-type resin, thermosetting resin etc.In the case, for example as shown in Figure 8, protective seam 39 can be divided into a plurality of parts, makes that pixel electrode 15 is hidden alone.Under any circumstance, through the volume resistivity of iknsulating liquid 31 being set for the value bigger, thereby can obtain similar effect than the volume resistivity of protective seam 39.Much less, said opposition layer can be the layer except that protective seam 39.
[the 4. applying examples of display unit (electronic unit)]
Next, with the applying examples of describing aforementioned display unit.
The present technique display unit can be applied to the electronic unit of various uses, and the type of electronic unit is not special the restriction.For example, this display unit can be applied to following electronic unit.Yet the structure of the electronic unit that hereinafter is described only is an example, and its structure can suitably change.
Fig. 9 A and Fig. 9 B illustrate a kind of external form structure of e-book.This e-book for example comprises, display part 110, non-display part (framework) 120 and operating portion 130.Operating portion 130 can be arranged on non-display part 120 front surfaces shown in Fig. 9 A, and can be arranged on the end face shown in Fig. 9 B.This display unit can be installed on PDA of having with Fig. 9 A and the similar structure of e-book shown in Fig. 9 B etc.
Figure 10 illustrates a kind of external form structure of television unit.This television unit comprises: the video display screen portion 200 that for example has front panel 210 and filter glass 220.
Figure 11 A and Figure 11 B illustrate a kind of external form structure of Digital Still Camera, and Figure 11 A is surperficial with the back with the front surface that Figure 11 B illustrates it respectively.This Digital Still Camera comprises: for example be used to the illuminating part 310, display part 320, menu switch 330 and the shutter release button 340 that glisten.
Figure 12 illustrates the external form structure of notebook personal computer.This notebook personal computer comprises: for example main body 410, be used for input character etc. operation keyboard 420 and be used for the display part 430 of display image.
Figure 13 illustrates a kind of external form structure of video camera.This video camera comprises: for example main body 510, be arranged on lens 520, the beginning/shutdown switch 530 that is used to make a video recording and the display part 540 that be used on the leading flank of main body 510 to object shooting (shooting).
Figure 14 A to Figure 14 G illustrates a kind of external form structure of mobile phone.Figure 14 A and Figure 14 B illustrate elevation view and the side view of this mobile phone under the state of being unlocked respectively.Figure 14 C to Figure 14 G illustrates this mobile phone respectively at the elevation view, left side view, right side view, top view and the backplan that are closed under the state.In this mobile phone, for example upper frame body 610 is connected by connection part (hinge) 630 with lower frame body 620.This mobile phone comprises display 640, sub-display 650, image light 660 and camera 670.
Though reference implementation example has been described present technique, present technique is not limited to the aspect described in the previous embodiment, and can carry out various modification.For example, the application of present technique electrophoretic apparatus is not limited to display unit, and the present technique electrophoretic apparatus can be applicable to other electronic unit.
Present technique comprises the disclosure related theme of on March 28th, 2011 to the japanese priority patent application JP 2011-070356 of Jap.P. office submission, and its full content is incorporated into this by reference.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that in the scope of claim or its equivalent of enclosing,, can carry out modification, combination, son combination and replacement according to designing requirement and other factors.
Claims (11)
1. electrophoretic apparatus comprises:
Electrophoresis particle;
The porous layer that forms by the filamentary structure body that holds non-electrophoresis particle with optical reflection characteristic different with said electrophoresis particle; With
Be adjacent to the interface wall of said porous layer,
Wherein, said electrophoresis particle, porous layer and interface wall are in the iknsulating liquid, and
The volume resistivity of said filamentary structure body is greater than the volume resistivity of said iknsulating liquid, and the volume resistivity of said interface wall is greater than the volume resistivity of said iknsulating liquid.
2. electrophoretic apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
Be configured to be opposed to the opposition layer of said porous layer, said iknsulating liquid between,
Wherein, the volume resistivity of said iknsulating liquid is greater than the volume resistivity of said opposition layer.
3. electrophoretic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said opposition layer is the support base of the said interface wall of supporting.
4. electrophoretic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said porous layer has a plurality of pores, and
The area ratio of the pore of every cellar area of said porous layer, more medium and small than the non-contiguous zone that does not adjoin at said interface wall and said porous layer in said interface wall and contiguous zone that said porous layer adjoins mutually.
5. electrophoretic apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein, said porous layer thickness ratio in said contiguous zone is medium and small at said non-contiguous zone.
6. electrophoretic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the width of said interface wall reduces to said porous layer gradually.
7. electrophoretic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the light reflectivity of said non-electrophoresis particle is higher than the light reflectivity of said electrophoresis particle.
8. electrophoretic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said filamentary structure body form by inorganic material and polymeric material at least a and
Said electrophoresis particle and said non-electrophoresis particle are formed by organic pigment, inorganic pigment, dyestuff, material with carbon element, metal material, metal oxide, glass, at least a of polymeric material.
9. electrophoretic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said filamentary structure body is formed by static spin method, and its fiber diameter is equal to or less than 10 μ m.
10. display unit comprises:
Electrophoretic apparatus between a pair of matrix, at least one of said a pair of matrix has optical transfer characteristic,
Wherein, said electrophoretic apparatus comprises:
Electrophoresis particle,
The porous layer that forms by the filamentary structure body that holds non-electrophoresis particle with optical reflection characteristic different with said electrophoresis particle and
Be adjacent to said porous layer and the interface wall display surface opposite surfaces,
Wherein, said electrophoresis particle, porous layer and interface wall are in the iknsulating liquid, and
The volume resistivity of said filamentary structure body is greater than the volume resistivity of said iknsulating liquid, and the volume resistivity of said interface wall is greater than the volume resistivity of said iknsulating liquid.
11. an electronic unit comprises:
Have the display unit of the electrophoretic apparatus between a pair of matrix, at least one of said a pair of matrix has optical transfer characteristic,
Wherein, said electrophoretic apparatus comprises:
Electrophoresis particle,
The porous layer that forms by the filamentary structure body that holds non-electrophoresis particle with optical reflection characteristic different with said electrophoresis particle and
Be adjacent to said porous layer and the interface wall display surface opposite surfaces,
Wherein, said electrophoresis particle, porous layer and interface wall are in the iknsulating liquid, and
The volume resistivity of said filamentary structure body is greater than the volume resistivity of said iknsulating liquid, and the volume resistivity of said interface wall is greater than the volume resistivity of said iknsulating liquid.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2011-070356 | 2011-03-28 | ||
| JP2011070356A JP5741122B2 (en) | 2011-03-28 | 2011-03-28 | Electrophoretic element, display device and electronic device |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN102707535A true CN102707535A (en) | 2012-10-03 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| CN2012100765606A Pending CN102707535A (en) | 2011-03-28 | 2012-03-21 | Electrophoretic device, display unit, and electronic unit |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US8542430B2 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP5741122B2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN102707535A (en) |
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| CN106520111A (en) * | 2016-12-09 | 2017-03-22 | 广州奥翼电子科技股份有限公司 | Color-changing electrophoretic particle and preparation method thereof and electrophoretic display |
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| US6162744A (en) * | 1998-02-28 | 2000-12-19 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Method of forming capacitors having high-K oxygen containing capacitor dielectric layers, method of processing high-K oxygen containing dielectric layers, method of forming a DRAM cell having having high-K oxygen containing capacitor dielectric layers |
| FR2963112B1 (en) * | 2010-07-21 | 2013-02-15 | Commissariat Energie Atomique | WALL MICROSTRUCTURE WITH DETERMINED OPTICAL PROPERTIES AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING MICROSTRUCTURES |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
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| US20120250138A1 (en) | 2012-10-04 |
| JP2012203342A (en) | 2012-10-22 |
| JP5741122B2 (en) | 2015-07-01 |
| US8542430B2 (en) | 2013-09-24 |
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Application publication date: 20121003 |